US will act against ISIS in Libya - White House

Libya

The United States said it will counter any threat of the Islamic State in Libya if necessary. White House spokesman, Josh Earnest, announced that president Barack Obama will continue to receive updates on ISIS and take action in the North African country.

“If there is a need for the United States to take unilateral action to protect the American people, the president won’t hesitate to do that.”

Earnest did not comment on whether Obama made any decision on the possibility of sending ground troops into Libya. But he said the president has demonstrated willingness to take decisive action in Libya.

Islamic State forces have attacked Libya’s oil facility and established a foothold in the city of Sirte. The militants clashed with troops guarding the facility but were driven back.

Two soldiers were killed in the attack.

Libya’s two warring administrations are expected to form a unity government.

Earnest said UN would support the unity government, although it is too early to say what form the assistance would take.

“The more that we can bolster the capacity of the national unity government to govern that country, the better off we will be,” he said.